“He is one of the best young players in world rugby and can play [at] either 10, 12 or 13.”

The 18-cap All Black spent 10 years of his childhood in Manchester which he said was part of the appeal of the move.

“You get one shot at it and I want to make the most of my career,” he said. “I want to go overseas and experience different lifestyles. I have been to Manchester before and I like it there.”

McAlister also received a number of lucrative offers from other Premiership and French clubs. He joins fellow All Blacks Carl Hayman, Byron Kelleher, Aaron Mauger, Chris Jack and Rico Gear at northern hemisphere clubs after the World Cup.